Roy E. Carpenter

On Sunday, June 26th, Roy Carpenter, joined his wife Mary, his parents and two brothers, Charles and Reuben.

Funeral Services will be 10:30am Friday July 1, 2016 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Milan. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00-7:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Rock Island Memorial Park Cemetery.

Roy Carpenter, was born in Coulterville to Don Dillard and Lillie May (Sturdevant) Carpenter on May 9, 1927. Although Roy was not a religious man, certainly his idea of heaven was fresh air and sunshine or perhaps conversation in the flicker of a fire. A strong man who believed in the right way, taught us pride in family and always took time to lend a hand to a friend in need. He had a strong respect for John Wayne, Johnny Cash and John Deere. He lived for simple pleasures.    

Roy began working at a young age and continued through his life to set a good example of work well done. Roy was called to serve his country for active duty during 1945 in Japan by the Marines and again proudly stepped forward to answer the call of the Army for active duty in Korea.    

Roy married Mary Pedersen July 1st, 1956, at the First Congregational Church of Moline, Illinois. In 1957, Roy introduced Mary to country life, living outside Andalusia where they raised three loving daughters, Nancy (Larry) Stimson, Lisa (Bill) Elliott and Carol (Stuart) Ehlert.  Roy and Mary were very proud of their growing family which brightened their world.  

Roy loved to share stories with Mary while driving on the country roads where he grew up. They were members of Good SAM Camping Club and enjoyed adventures together in their motor home as they visited family and camped with friends. A wiener roast around a camp fire, was always an added plus.

Roy proudly retired from John Deere Plow Planter in 1985, after 34 years. He always enjoyed staying busy, and went on to work for the Andalusia Township plowing snow and repairing roads.

Soon after retirement, Roy was sharing his country values, his gardening knowledge, and his fishing skills with grandchildren, Hannah (Matt) Hogan, Davenport, IA. Sarah (Lee) Zeglin, Rock Island, IL, Jordan Ehlert, Chicago, IL and Aubrey (Brad) Koenig, Crestwood, KY.  Great grandchildren Lucy, Carson and Wade Koenig, KY, Lincoln and Violet Zeglin.  

Roy learned at an early age to love being outdoors and would always accept an invitation for a day of fishing. Roy’s garage was a special joy, as he designed it himself, and spent many hours tinkering, listening to the old country favorites, sometimes stopping to pull out a couple lawn chairs and enjoy a beer while watching the rain through the open garage door with a friend or family member. Many evenings were spent outside, sitting in the swing and waving at those passing by.  

Always dedicated to John Deere tractors and engines, it seemed only natural that he became one of the original members of the Antique Engine and Tractor Association. Roy and several members were honored at the 50-year celebration in 2011. He always enjoyed being involved, and was a member of the Two Cylinder Club, The Fin, Fur, and Feather Conservation Club, and looked forward to helping out at the fish fries in Illinois City.

Roy was a typical protective big brother and will leave behind younger siblings, Marjorie Shipp (Maroa, IL), George Carpenter (Illinois City, IL) Irma Burrill (Rock Island, IL) to carry on the tradition of family stories.  

A special thank you to the caring Staff at Good Samaritan in Davenport, IA where Roy’s days were filled with visits with family, playing cards, Rummikub, working puzzles, and watching nature around the pond while feeding the fish.  A heartfelt appreciation to Genesis Hospice for the care they provided in the last few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, which Roy was able to participate in 2010.

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